Prospect Talent Score

Probability of Success

History

2005-06: Jakub Kovar appeared in only 19 games for Budejovice’s top junior team, but posted very solid numbers — including a 2.23 GAA and .925 save percentage, to go along with two shutouts.

2006-07: Kovar established himself as one of the top amateur goaltenders in the Czech Republic over the past two seasons, while playing in the Ceské Budejovice system. He registered a 2.07 GAA and .929 save percentage in 38 games, improving on his impressive numbers from the previous campaign. His standing as a highly-regarded prospect in his homeland was confirmed when he was chosen to play for the national team at last year's WJCs. There, he appeared in two games while serving as the backup to Atlanta Thrashers draftee Ondrei Pavelec.

Kovar was selected by the Oshawa Generals of the OHL with the 29th overall selection of the 2007 CHL Import Draft.

2007-08: Kovar split the season between the Oshawa Generals and the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. In Oshawa, Kovar went 12-3-0 with a 3.14 goals against average and a .903 save percentage. He faired about the same in Windsor, going 14-3-0 with one shutout, a 3.42 goals against average and a .893 save percentage. He represented the Czech Republic at the WJC, where he went 1-1-0.

2008-09: Returning across the pond, Kovar played a significant role with HC Ceske of the Czech league. In 23 games, he would post respectable numbers; 2.69 GAA and a .916 Save Percentage.

2009-10: Kovar again decided to stay in his home land, splitting time between the top Czech league and their second tier. In 17 games with HC Ceske, he would continue his respectable numbers with .915 Save Percentage and 2.46 GAA.

2010-11: Kovar appeared in a league-leading 52 games as a 22-year-old for third place HC Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Extraliga. He finished with a 29-23 record with 4 shutouts and had a 2.47 GAA with a .924 save percentage. Kovar was 2-4 in six playoff games despite posting a 1.79 GAA and .947 save percentage. He had one playoff shutout.

2011-12: Kovar was a workhorse for Ceske Budejovice in the Czech Extraliga and won a bronze medal with the Czech national team at the 2012 U20 IIHF World Championship in Helsinki. He was 28-24 with 3 shutouts in 52 games for Budejovice and had a 2.37 goals against and .926 save percentage as the club finished in fifth place. He was 1-4 in five playoff games with a 3.12 goals against and .914 save percentage. Kovar played in six games at the World Championships and was 3-2 with 1 shutout and had a 2.05 goals against and .927 save percentage.

Talent Analysis

Kovar has the ability to cover a lot of ground with his size and quickness, but has been guilty of playing too far back in his net. He possesses a decent physical makeup, quick reflexes and solid fundamental skills, but will need to learn to better challenge shooters.